MLB Recognizes and Honors the Legacies of Black Baseball Players through Incorporated Negro Leagues Statistics
Major League Baseball (MLB) has recently made history by acknowledging and incorporating statistics from the Negro Leagues into its official records. This recognition marks a significant shift in acknowledging the contributions of Black baseball players who were previously excluded due to racial segregation.
One of the most notable figures whose stats have been elevated is Josh Gibson, a baseball catcher with an impressive batting average of .372, slugging percentage of .718, and OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) of 1.177.
Gibson's career spanned over 653 games in the Negro Leagues, playing for teams such as the Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays. Despite his remarkable talent, Gibson fell into a coma at age 32 due to a brain tumor and passed away four years later.
The recognition of Negro Leagues statistics has brought about a renewed interest in these players' legacies. For instance, Josh Gibson is now listed as MLB's all-time leader in batting average, surpassing the previous record held by Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.
Larry Lester, who has spent over 50 years compiling statistics from the Negro Leagues, spoke to NPR about this groundbreaking development. He shared his excitement about finally seeing these players' contributions acknowledged in Major League Baseball records.
The incorporation of Negro Leagues statistics into MLB records is a long-overdue recognition of the talent and impact that Black baseball players had on the sport. It also provides future generations with a more comprehensive understanding of baseball history, including Jackie Robinson's 1947 Dodger debut and American history as a whole.
